MaNGA Galaxies Reveal How Internal Kinematics and Environment Shape Bar Formation

A new study published on arXiv on December 25, 2025 (arXiv:2512.21303) delves into the mechanisms behind spiral arm formation in disk galaxies observed through the MaNGA (Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO) survey. The paper by Erik Aquino-Ortíz and colleagues analyzes how a galaxy’s internal kinematics and its surrounding environment contribute to the emergence and evolution of these prominent structures.

The researchers compared internal characteristics, such as rotation speeds and gas distribution, with external environmental factors like galaxy cluster memberships and interactions with neighboring galaxies. Their findings suggest that gravitational instabilities within the galactic disk, alongside tidal forces from nearby galaxies, play crucial roles in initiating and sustaining spiral arms. This research represents a significant step forward in understanding the fundamental processes of galaxy formation and evolution.

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